Jekero Portable DVD Player with Game Controller Review :  Is It Worth The Money?

When shopping for a portable DVD player, buyers expect a device that is reliable, durable, and capable of playing movies smoothly without constant issues. The Jekero 16.9” Portable DVD Player seemed like a promising option, with its large screen, long battery life, and extra features like game support and AV output. However, after testing the device and analyzing real customer experiences, this review will break down its performance, reliability, and overall value to determine whether it’s worth buying.

Quality And Durability – Does It Last?

A good portable DVD player should offer consistent performance over time. Unfortunately, many users find that the Jekero DVD player has major longevity issues.

Short Lifespan and Malfunctions

Several customers have reported that the device worked fine for a few months, only to stop functioning unexpectedly. Some common complaints include:

Jekero Portable DVD Player with Game Controller
  • DVDs freezing after a few minutes of playback.
  • The screen going black, requiring a manual restart.
  • Inconsistent power supply issues, where the device doesn’t charge properly.
  • The disc tray failing to read DVDs, even those in perfect condition.

Cheap Construction and Defects

Another major concern is poor build quality. Some units arrive with scratches, stains, or even pen marks on the keyboard, suggesting weak quality control. This low-cost manufacturing approach results in an overall cheap and unreliable feel, making long-term durability questionable.

Battery Life And Portability

One of Jekero’s selling points is its 5,000mAh battery, advertised to last between 6-7 hours. While this might sound impressive, user reports suggest that battery performance is highly inconsistent.

Unreliable Battery Performance

  • Some users reported that the battery lasted only 2-3 hours, far below the advertised time.
  • Others experienced charging failures, requiring the device to stay plugged in to function.
  • There are complaints of the battery draining quickly, even when the DVD player is turned off.

For those looking for a truly portable device, these battery issues can be a dealbreaker, especially for long trips or travel use.

Does The Gaming Feature Work?

One of the selling points of this DVD player is the built-in gaming function, supposedly allowing users to play classic games using the included game controller. However, many buyers have found this feature to be poorly implemented and nearly unusable.

Common Issues with the Gaming Feature:

  • Limited and outdated game selection – Most games are very basic and outdated, similar to cheap plug-and-play consoles from decades ago.
  • Controller input lag – The game controller has noticeable delays, making many games frustrating to play.
  • Games occasionally crash – Some users reported random crashes, requiring a restart of the device.
  • No clear instructions – There is little to no guidance on how to access or operate the games, making it confusing for first-time users.

While the idea of a dual-function DVD player and gaming system sounds appealing, this feature is more of a gimmick than a practical addition.

Jekero Portable DVD Player with Game Controller

Is It Good For Travel Use?

Many customers buy portable DVD players for road trips, flights, or long commutes, but the Jekero model fails in several key areas that impact travel convenience.

Problems for Travel Use:

  • Inconsistent battery life – A major issue for travelers who need a reliable device on the go.
  • Heavy and bulky design – At over 14 inches, it’s less portable than other compact models.
  • Flimsy screen rotation – The swivel screen is prone to becoming loose, making it hard to keep in place when watching in a car.
  • Anti-shock function is unreliable – The device frequently skips or freezes, even with small movements, making it a poor choice for bumpy car rides.

Pros And Cons Of The Jekero Portable DVD Player

Pros:

  • Large 14.1-inch HD LCD Screen:
    • A larger screen is a significant advantage for portable devices, providing a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience, especially for longer movies or when multiple people are watching.
    • This is a great feature for road trips, or other situations where viewing space may be limited.
  • Rotating Screen for Better Viewing Angles:
    • The 270-degree swivel and 180-degree flip function offer excellent flexibility, allowing users to adjust the screen for optimal viewing in various positions.
    • This is particularly useful in cars, where passengers may be seated at different angles.
  • Includes Accessories for Travel:
    • The inclusion of a car charger and power adapter ensures that the DVD player can be used on the go, making it ideal for road trips and other travel situations.
    • This is a very convenient factor for those that will use the device while traveling.
  • Supports Multiple Disc Formats:
    • Being region-free and compatible with various formats (except Blu-ray) adds versatility, allowing users to play DVDs from different regions and in different formats.
    • This is a large benefit for those that have a large collection of dvds from many different sources.
  • Built-in Gaming Support:
    • The game port adds an extra layer of entertainment, making it appealing to families with children.
    • This adds value to the product, giving it more uses.
Jekero Portable DVD Player with Game Controller

Cons:

  • Frequent Freezing and Playback Issues:
    • This is a major drawback and a significant point of concern. Frequent freezing and playback problems render the device unreliable and frustrating to use.
    • This issue alone, makes the device hard to recommend.
  • Unreliable Remote Control:
    • A malfunctioning remote control can significantly hinder the user experience, making it difficult to navigate menus and control playback.
    • This is a common problem with lower quality electronics.
  • Build Quality Concerns:
    • Reports of visible defects, such as marks and scratches, indicate potential quality control issues and raise doubts about the device’s overall durability.
    • This can also be a sign of poor manufacturing practices.
  • Short Lifespan:
    • Multiple reports of the device failing within months are a serious concern. This indicates potential reliability issues and a lack of long-term durability.
    • This is a large concern for anyone looking to purchase this device.
  • Poor Manufacturer Support:
    • The inability to contact customer support and the difficulty in claiming warranty issues are significant drawbacks. This indicates a lack of commitment to customer satisfaction.
    • This is a very large negative, as warranties are useless if they cannot be claimed.

Overall Assessment:

While the Jekero Portable DVD Player offers some appealing features, such as a large screen and rotating display, the significant cons, particularly the frequent freezing and playback issues, unreliable remote, poor build quality, short lifespan, and poor manufacturer support, make it a risky purchase. The unreliability of the device heavily outweighs any of its positive features.

Alternative Brands That Offer Better Performance

If you’re looking for a more reliable portable DVD player, there are better options available. Below are a few alternatives that outperform Jekero in terms of build quality, battery life, and customer support.

Jekero Portable DVD Player with Game Controller

1. DBPOWER 17.9” Portable DVD Player

  • Larger screen and more durable build
  • Longer battery life (up to 6 hours)
  • More reliable playback with fewer freezing issues

2. WONNIE 17.9” Dual Portable DVD Player

  • Ideal for road trips with dual screens for backseat viewing
  • More stable performance with fewer crashes
  • Stronger battery life and better customer support

3. ieGeek 16.9” Portable DVD Player

  • Smoother playback with region-free support
  • More compact and lightweight for easy portability
  • Better shock resistance for car travel

While Jekero might appear to be a budget-friendly option, these alternatives offer far better reliability and value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which portable DVD player is best?

Subjectivity: “Best” is subjective, but certain brands consistently receive higher ratings for reliability and performance.
Recommended Alternatives: The FAQ highlights: DBPOWER 17.9”: Often praised for its large screen and reliable playback.
WONNIE Dual Screen: Ideal for families, especially for car trips, due to its dual-screen setup.  
ieGeek 16.9”: Known for its balanced features and generally positive user experiences.
Jekero’s Shortcomings: The FAQ contrasts these brands with Jekero, noting that Jekero experiences more freezing issues and has less reliable performance. This makes the other brands better choices.

2. Are DVD players worth buying?

Situational Value: For frequent travelers, especially those with children, portable DVD players can be invaluable for entertainment.
For those who prefer physical media or have extensive DVD collections, they offer a way to enjoy their movies.
Importance of Quality: The FAQ emphasizes the need to choose a high-quality model to avoid common problems.
Issues like freezing, poor battery life, and flimsy construction can significantly detract from the user experience.
It is very important to read reviews before purchase.

3. How long should a DVD player last?

Expected Lifespan: A well-made portable DVD player should typically last 3-5 years with proper care and use.
Jekero’s Durability Issues: The FAQ raises concerns about Jekero’s durability, citing reports of units failing within months.  
This indicates potential issues with build quality or component reliability.

4. What to look for when buying a portable DVD player?

Key Features: Reliable Battery Life: At least 4-6 hours of playback time is essential for travel and extended use.
Shock Resistance: This feature ensures smooth playback, especially in moving vehicles.
High-Quality Screen: Good brightness and clarity are crucial for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Strong Customer Support: A reliable warranty and responsive customer support are important for addressing potential issues.
Jekero’s Deficiencies: The FAQ states that Jekero falls short in these areas, making other brands a more reliable choice.
This implies that Jekero may have issues with battery life, playback stability, screen quality, or customer service.

Jekero Portable DVD Player with Game Controller

    Final Verdict: Is The Jekero DVD Player Worth It?

    After considering the overwhelming evidence of frequent technical issues, unreliable build quality, poor battery performance, and the largely underwhelming gaming feature, I cannot recommend the Jekero Portable DVD Player. While a small subset of users may have encountered no problems, the sheer volume of negative feedback paints a clear picture of a product marred by inconsistencies and potential failures.

    The reported malfunctions within months, the frustrating freezes that disrupt viewing experiences, and the complete device failures that render the player useless are not isolated incidents. These are recurring themes in customer reviews, signaling systemic issues that should raise serious concerns for any potential buyer.

    The lack of reliability is compounded by the poor customer support. A warranty is only as good as the manufacturer’s willingness to honor it, and the difficulties customers face in contacting Jekero’s support team render any warranty claims practically futile. This lack of accountability further diminishes the product’s value and reinforces the impression of a company that prioritizes sales over customer satisfaction.

    For those in search of a portable DVD player that will provide lasting entertainment and reliable performance, exploring alternative brands is undoubtedly the wiser course of action. Investing in a more reputable brand, even at a slightly higher price point, will ultimately save you from the frustrations and disappointments associated with the Jekero DVD Player.

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